Gurugram, Feb 3 (PTI) – Australian golf legend Greg Norman has identified India as a “sleeping giant” in the sport, emphasizing the need for more tournaments in the country to unlock its true potential. The 69-year-old former world number one, with an illustrious career boasting 88 professional titles, expressed hope for India’s growth in golf and advocated for making the recently concluded International Series in Gurugram an annual event.
Speaking to select media on the sidelines of the Asian Tour event, Norman highlighted India’s untapped potential.
“One of my initial focus points was to invest in the sleeping giant, which was the Asian Tour. India is a sleeping giant when it comes to golf. Just look at what’s happening here—it has only just begun,” Norman said.
With a long-term vision, Norman believes India is poised for significant development over the next 25 years. “For the next generation, India is right in the middle of it,” he remarked.
Norman’s Vision for LIV Golf in India
Norman, formerly the CEO of LIV Golf, a Saudi-backed league established in 2022, has been at the forefront of revolutionizing professional golf. LIV Golf introduced a new tournament format featuring 54-hole, three-day events without a cut, unlike the traditional four-day, 72-hole format. This departure from convention has sparked resistance from established tours like the PGA Tour and the European Tour, which argue that LIV’s higher prize money and relaxed rules disrupt the sport’s ecosystem.Despite this pushback, Norman remains steadfast in his belief that LIV Golf could play a transformative role in Indian golf.
“I’d love to bring LIV to India because it holds great significance. Everything begins with baby steps, and expanding the league internationally is crucial,” he said.
Norman asserted that LIV Golf is reshaping the competitive golfing world by introducing a fresh business model that has captivated millions. “LIV has created a new dynamic for golf, offering a different format that brings in a vast new audience. I truly believe LIV will be the global golf platform. We want to be present across all continents, introducing franchise models and engaging the youth,” he explained.
Reviving Indian Golf’s Momentum
Norman acknowledged that Indian golf was at its peak when stars like Jeev Milkha Singh, Shiv Kapur, SSP Chawrasia, Jyoti Randhawa, and Arjun Atwal were regularly securing victories on major tours. However, the momentum has diminished over the past five years. He believes LIV Golf could help reinvigorate Indian golf by providing new opportunities for young talent and increasing competitive exposure.Praises for Anirban Lahiri and Rising Star Kartik Singh
Norman reserved high praise for Indian golfer Anirban Lahiri, who has joined LIV Golf alongside big names such as Bryson DeChambeau, two-time Major winner Dustin Johnson, and former world number one Lee Westwood.“He’s not just a great golfer but also a fantastic individual, a great spokesperson, and a proud representative of India. All these attributes made it clear to me that we should bring him on board,” Norman said of Lahiri, who has seven Asian Tour and two European Tour titles to his name.
Additionally, Norman lauded 15-year-old Indian prodigy Kartik Singh, who impressed at the International Series event by making the cut.
“He’s captured the moment. Making the cut at such a young age is impressive. I haven’t seen his swing yet, but I look forward to it,” Norman remarked.
With Norman’s vision and the rising wave of young Indian golfers, the country could soon become a powerhouse in the global golf arena. By increasing the number of high-profile competitions, India has the potential to emerge as a major player in the sport’s future.
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